A 61-year-old band director in California faces imminent dismissal after two former students leveled accusations of sexual abuse dating back to the 1980s.
**Anaheim, California** - Lexington Junior High School faces turmoil as its band director, Steve Graves, is poised to be dismissed following allegations of sexual misconduct with students during his tenure at Loara High School in Anaheim during the 1980s.
The Anaheim Union High School District (AUHSD) initiated proceedings to terminate Graves, who has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of investigations.
California Teacher on Verge of Termination Amid Sexual Abuse Allegations from Former Students
According to Manly, Stewart & Finaldi, the law firm representing the two victims, the alleged abuse began in 1986 when Graves was a teacher at Loara High School and approximately 23 or 24 years old. Both victims were 16 at the time of the alleged incidents.
One of the victims, known as Reiko, revealed to FOX 11 Los Angeles that she became pregnant with Graves' child when she was 17. After becoming pregnant, Reiko transferred to another school. Decades later, she reconnected with the other victim through social media, and they shared their experiences.
California Teacher on Verge of Termination Amid Sexual Abuse Allegations from Former Students
The Anaheim Police Department has launched an investigation, but no charges have been filed against Graves as of this writing. The victims intend to pursue a civil lawsuit against him.
Attorney Morgan Stewart alleges possession of evidence proving that school supervisors were aware of Graves' predatory behavior but chose to retain him as an employee for over three decades. However, the evidence has not been made public.
California Teacher on Verge of Termination Amid Sexual Abuse Allegations from Former Students
The AUHSD expressed shock and dismay in a statement to Fox News Digital: "Once the District became aware of this situation at the end of August, Graves was placed on administrative leave and removed from campus."
The statement continued, "AUHSD has been fully cooperating with the Anaheim Police Department as they investigate this incident to identify any other possible instances of inappropriate behavior, harassment, or sexual misconduct by Graves."
California Teacher on Verge of Termination Amid Sexual Abuse Allegations from Former Students
Fox News Digital sought further information from the Anaheim Police Department but did not receive an immediate response.
The allegations against Graves have sent shockwaves through the community, raising questions about the adequacy of school protocols for preventing and reporting sexual abuse.
Investigations into the matter are ongoing, with the possibility of additional victims coming forward and further developments in the legal proceedings.
